History Of Warfare: Wars Of National Liberation

Part of the Cassell 'History Of Warfare' series, a multi-volume history of war and warfare from ancient to modern times.

The end of the Second World War did not bring a lasting peace. Since 1945 the world has been griped by smaller and more localised conflicts, which, nevertheless, have on some occasions brought the great powers a step closer to general war. Yet whatever their international impact, they have all in some way been wars of national liberation.

In this book Daniel Moran provides a compelling account of the reasons for and the way in which wars have been fought over the last fifty years. He guides us through the peasant uprising that led to the revolution in China, the guerrilla warfare of Vietnam, and the terror tactics used to varying effect in Palestine, Algeria and Ireland.

The author examines the role played by outsiders in Korea and the tribal and factional loyalties that have resulted in the endemic violence of sub-Saharan Africa. Finally he looks at the conflicts that continue to rage on the peripheries of the former Soviet Union.

This fascinating text, complemented with striking photography, portrays the growing sense of nationalism that has characterised post-war conflict and the quest for national liberation. A quest which seems set to persist as casus belli in the future.